Catholic priest who denied communion to pro-choice lawmakers says 'pedophilia doesn't kill' — abortion does

Rhode Island's Rev. Richard Bucci says that "pedophila doesn't kill anyone," but abortion does.

What are the details?

Earlier this month, Bucci, 72, banned at least 44 state lawmakers from receiving communion because they voted to support pro-choice state legislation.

Speaking in defense of the action, Bucci said, "We are not talking about any other moral issue, where some may make it a comparison between pedophilia and abortion. Pedophilia doesn't kill anyone and [abortion] does."

In a widely distributed flyer, Bucci announced that the lawmakers would not be able to partake in Holy Communion and will also be barred from acting as witnesses to marriage and more.

"In accord with the teaching of the Catholic Church for 2000 years, the following members of the legislature may NOT receive Holy Communion, as are all the officers of the state of Rhode Island, as well as Rhode Island's members of Congress," a portion of Bucci's flyer read. "In addition, they will not be allowed to act as witnesses to marriage, godparents, or lectors at weddings, funerals or any other church function."

Bucci, who hails from Sacred Heart Church in West Warwick, Rhode Island, also told WJAR-TV that "there are more children who have been killed by abortion than have been abused."

He also defended his stance on refusing communion to pro-choice lawmakers.

"Now, I don't know what else I have to say about it, this is the teaching of the church," he added. "The Canon Law of the church, the Second Vatican Council, and the First Catechism of the church. I don't know what more evidence I should have to present."

Earlier this month Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence acknowledged Bucci's flyers through his spokesperson, and voiced his support of the priest's action.

"For every sacrament, the Church provides detailed norms for preparation and reception. It is the pastor's duty to apply them within his parish, in accord with Church law," Tobin's spokesperson said in a statement at the time. "This includes the proper reception of Holy Communion as outlined by the Code of Canon Law. Because the Church entrusts to each pastor the duty of teaching, sanctifying, and governing his parish, the daily pastoral and administrative decisions are made at the local parish level."